Spanish phrase
¿Me puedes explicar por qué ~?
Meaning
Can you explain to me why ___?
When to use it
Requests a polite explanation for a cause. Common when asking about lateness or unexpected changes in polite or neutral settings, tone varies with relationship.
Example dialogue
¿Me puedes explicar por qué llegaste tarde a la reunión?
Can you explain to me why you arrived late to the meeting?
Perdón, hubo mucho tráfico y el tren se retrasó.
Sorry, there was a lot of traffic and the train was delayed.